Some Southampton fans have been left fuming by the performance of Jack Stephens in the club’s recent loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The Saints were on a five-game unbeaten run before the loss to Wolves. They were 2-0 up against Nuno Santo’s side, as goals from Shane Long and defender Jan Bednarek had given them a lead. But a Raul Jimenez brace and a goal from Pedro Neto saw them lose their first game in six outings.
Southampton fans: Is Stephens good enough for the side?
He's useless
We deserve better
The defeat left many Southampton fans questioning Stephens. When a Saints fan with the name Dave Coutinho posted something about the game, it triggered many Southampton fans.
Jack Stephens isn't a poor defender after one defeat, Ralph isn't a poor manager after a defeat, we aren't a poor side after a defeat, we wearnt poor yesterday we switched off and were punished by a good side back the lads ! COYR #saintsfc
— Dave Coutinho (@coutinhojr30) January 19, 2020
mainly true. Jack was always , and will always be a poor defender.
— Lee Ronan (@Lee__Ronan) January 19, 2020
But still unacceptable Should have easily seen that gane off in the 2nd half. But in total amazing two previous months.
— Jarkko Hårdh (@HardhJarkko) January 19, 2020
Jack Stephens has been poor for the best part of 3 years. Has a run of games where he does well, and suddenly hes the answer to everything? Hes average, and we could and should do better.
— Scott Dyer (@ScottyDyer3) January 19, 2020
How do you mean after one defeat? Are we counting only his last few games or last few monts. He has too much mistakes, and few good games can’t change that.
— BigSmokeX (@BigSmokeX1) January 19, 2020
Jack Stephens isn’t international class either ! Ralph needs to tactically wise up. If we are to buy then get it done, a new face can help immensely. How many times do we switch off before we start to switch on ? Was Adams brought as a goalscorer ?
— Fogstallefe (@g_estall) January 19, 2020
Correct, he was an average player before the Wolves game. It is unacceptable at this level to allow any player to switch off.. the manager and captain need to ensure this.
— Stuart Hack (@HackStuart) January 19, 2020
The 25-year-old, who is valued at £6.3 million (as per Transfermarkt), has been at Southampton since 2011 – when he joined the club from Plymouth to play in the Saints Under-21s side. Since then, the defender has spent loan deals at Swindon, Coventry and even Middlesbrough.
This season, Stephens has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the club. He has scored twice, picking up one assist as well.
Last season, the Englishman made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Saints. 24 of them came in the Premier League, as he scored one goal and picked up one assist as well.
What do we think?
As per Whoscored, Stephens got a rating of only 5.3 against Wolves and it was the lowest in the game for any player on the pitch. He won just a single aerial duel, failing to win a single tackle or an interception. He had a passing percentage of just 77%. He had a poor game and, perhaps, deserves criticism for it.